Bmw Z4 Reliability
1,438 NHTSA complaints (2002–2022). Complaint rate: 225.3 per 1,000 vehicles.
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: Avoid the 2003–2009 Bmw Z4. The 2022 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: STEERING.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Bmw Z4 Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| STEERING | 948 | 0.7% |
| AIR BAGS | 85 | 5.9% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 72 | 4.2% |
| ENGINE | 34 | 2.9% |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 31 | 0.0% |
| WHEELS | 25 | 4.0% |
| STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | 23 | 0.0% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 16 | 25.0% |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 14 | 0.0% |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 13 | 30.8% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
| Year | Generation | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002GOOD | — | 6 | 0 | — | View 2002View→ |
| 2003AVOID | — | 459 | 7 | — | View 2003View→ |
| 2004AVOID | — | 443 | 2 | 2 | View 2004View→ |
| 2005AVOID | — | 204 | 2 | — | View 2005View→ |
| 2006AVOID | — | 107 | 1 | 3 | View 2006View→ |
| 2007AVOID | — | 42 | 5 | 2 | View 2007View→ |
| 2008AVOID | — | 27 | 0 | — | View 2008View→ |
| 2009AVOID | — | 26 | 1 | — | View 2009View→ |
| 2010 | — | 9 | 0 | — | View 2010View→ |
| 2011AVOID | — | 57 | 2 | — | View 2011View→ |
| 2012GOOD | — | 7 | 0 | — | View 2012View→ |
| 2013 | — | 12 | 6 | — | View 2013View→ |
| 2014 | — | 10 | 1 | — | View 2014View→ |
| 2015GOOD | — | 7 | 0 | — | View 2015View→ |
| 2016GOOD | — | 5 | 1 | — | View 2016View→ |
| 2019GOOD | — | 7 | 3 | — | View 2019View→ |
| 2020 | — | 8 | 3 | — | View 2020View→ |
| 2022GOOD | — | 2 | 0 | — | View 2022View→ |
See also: Bmw Z4accident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
Buying a Bmw Z4?
Check the specific VIN for hidden accidents, title issues, and full vehicle history — just $4.99.
Check VIN Free